Tag: grace

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Friday of Week 6 of the Easter season can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

How do you lift up your soul to the Lord? Do you call on the Lord? How have you seen God’s goodness, faithfulness and abounding love in your life? (see Psalm 86:4-5, 8)

What response is needed from us if there is no one else like the Lord? Is God your Rock?
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress” – David in Psalm 18:2

How has the Lord given you strength? (see 1 Samuel 2:2, 10)

If God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, is He able to make you alive with Him? Why is salvation by grace alone? Do you want to be in heavenly places in Christ Jesus? (see Ephesians 2:4-6)

How is it possible for people to do things in the Lord’s name, but never actually know Him? Are you actually putting into practice Jesus’ words? Upon what kind of foundation are you building? (see Matthew 7:22-27)

The Psalmist says that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Whom does it benefit? How many times a day do you talk about God’s qualities? (see Psalm 92:1-2, 4)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Thursday of Week 4 of the Easter season can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

For what could you offer the Lord thanksgiving? Make a list! What do you need to do today to “go the right way?” (see Psalm 50:14, 23)

What quality of the Lord listed in Exodus 34:6-7 is most important to you right now? Why?

What is the difference between “a human word” and “God’s word?” Is God’s word at work in you? What difference would it make if you asked God to put His word to work in you? (see 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Are all your relationships in good shape, or are you “at odds” with anyone? According to Jesus, how does a broken relationship with someone affect your relationship with God? (see Matthew 5:21-26)

Why should God receive glory instead of us? How could you “bless the Lord” today? (see Psalm 115:1, 18)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

Help us spread the word by clicking on the “Share This” button below, then choose your preferred way to share this journey with your friends.

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Monday of Week 4 of the Easter season can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

For what do you give God thanks? Are you able to talk about God’s goodness with other believers? Are you able to talk to unbelievers about how good God has been to you? (see Psalm 52:8-9)

What does it mean to keep the Lord’s sabbaths? Is it possible for the Lord to sanctify you? (see Exodus 31:12-13)

Do you always speak graciously? How might you make the most of your time in dealing with “outsiders?” Do you know how to answer the questions they ask? (see Colossians 4:5-6)

Why are the poor and those mourning blessed?
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Jesus in Matthew 5:8

What does it mean to be meek? For what do you hunger and thirst? When has someone shown you mercy? Is your heart been made pure? Do you want it to be? Are you a peacemaker? Why are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake blessed? (see Matthew 5:1-10)

What stories have you been told of what God has done in former days? What stories will you tell of what God has done in your day? (see Psalm 44:1, 4-5)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

Help us spread the word by clicking on the “Share This” button below, then choose your preferred way to share this journey with your friends.

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Saturday of Week 6 of Lent can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

Do you pray more in the daytime or at night? Why? Have you ever felt that you were in the “depths of the Pit”? Have you ever felt that God had abandoned you to the grave? (How do you think Jesus felt facing the cross?) (see Psalm 88:1-3, 6, 11)

What answer have you received from the Lord when you called out to Him in desperation? How did the Lord respond to Jeremiah? How does the awareness of God’s presence make a difference? (see Lamentations 3:55-57)

What does it mean to you to know that Jesus was tempted in every point as we are? What is your response to the fact that, though tested, he did not sin? How can we “approach the throne of grace with boldness”? (see Hebrews 4:15-16)

Where do you see God’s goodness in your life? Do you wait for the Lord? What does that mean to you? How is having courage related to waiting for the Lord? (see Psalm 27:13-14)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

Help us spread the word by clicking on the “Share This” Arrow below, then choose your preferred way to share this journey with your friends.

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Thursday of Week 5 of Lent can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

Why does the Lord provide for Zion and its people? How has the Lord provided for
“Glorious things are spoken of you,O city of God.” – Psalm 87:3

His church? How has the Lord provided for you? (see Psalm 132:13-16)

Why couldn’t Pharaoh’s magicians imitate the plague of gnats? Why did the magicians decide that this plague was “the finger of God”? When have you seen God at work in an undeniable way? (see Exodus 8:16-19)

What was the source of the glory of Moses’ face? How is the ministry of grace more glorious than that of Moses’? (see 2 Corinthians 3:7-8)

Why did the rich man go away grieving from Jesus? Why is it not impossible for the rich to enter Christ’s kingdom? How will your sacrifices for Christ’s kingdom be repaid? (see Mark 10:17-31)

Have you seen the Lord help the needy and the poor? If so, how? Have you given thanks to the name of the Lord? Do you live in His presence? (see Psalm 140:12-13)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

Help us spread the word by clicking on the “Share This” Arrow below, then choose your preferred way to share this journey with your friends.

Thank you for joining us on a spiritual journey from “Ashes to Fire,” from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. We would also love to have you join us for worship this week! Click here to discover our location & service times! You can reap the most benefit from this journey by joining a small group and by inviting others to join us!

Our Scripture readings for Sunday of Week 4 of Lent can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Questions for Meditation

Why do you think John 3:16 has become probably the most famous scripture verse ever? Why did God send his Son into the world? What are the implications of believing in Jesus?…of not believing in Jesus? What does it mean to love “light” rather than “darkness?” (see John 3:14-21)

Why did the Israelites complain? How did the people react to the plague of serpents? What did Moses do? Why did Moses make a bronze serpent? (see Numbers 21:4-9)

For what do you give thanks to the Lord? Why might it be important for the redeemed to “say so?” Does sin bring affliction? Have you seen the Lord save you from distress? (see Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22)

How can someone who is dead in their sins be made alive? What does it mean to say that salvation is a gift by grace through faith? What good works has God prepared for you to do? (see Ephesians 2:1-10)

What does God want you to do today to incorporate into your life what He is teaching you?

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Our Scripture readings for Wednesday of the Easter Season, Week 4, can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

Have you found hope in the Lord’s words? Has God’s promise given you comfort? The Psalmist received hope, comfort and life from God’s words. How might you receive the same? (see Psalm 119:49-50)

Have you seen some of God’s glory? (Has any human seen all of God’s glory???) How have you seen the Lord’s goodness? When have you seen evidence of God’s grace in your life? How has God been merciful to you? (Exodus 33:18-19)

” As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives[a] in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,” – Paul in Colossians 2:6-7

What does it mean to root your life in Christ Jesus? How can you be built up in Christ Jesus? Are you established in the faith? Are you abounding in thanksgiving? What would that look like? (see Colossians 2:6-7)

Is it possible to love your enemies? If so, how? Can you think of a situation in which you need to put into practice Jesus’ words, “Do to others as you would have them do to you”? Why are we not to judge or condemn, and instead forgive? (see Luke 6:27-38)

Do you find it easy to remember the Lord when your life is “dark?” Why or why not? How is the Psalmist able to remember the Lord’s name in the night? (see Psalm 119:55-56)

Our Scripture readings for Monday of the Easter Season, Week 4, can be read here. Please take some time to read these passages and then meditate on the following questions. Then talk to God about what the Bible is teaching you.

How have you seen the Lord’s grace in your life? Have you experienced healing? How important is integrity to you? Is having God’s presence in your life important to you? (see Psalm 41:4, 12)

“I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.” – Genesis 32:12

Why does Jacob feel that he is unworthy of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness? Why does God promise to do good to him? Why does God promise to make his offspring like the sand of the sea? (see Genesis 32:9-10, 12)

Enduring patiently with joy…How does Paul say that is possible? What kind of power would you have to have to endure suffering while giving thanks to God? How does knowing that you have an inheritance with the saints help you endure? (see Colossians 1:11-12)

What was Jesus’ attitude toward the Sabbath? What was the Pharisees’ attitude toward the Sabbath? What is your understanding of what Sabbath is meant to be? If the Sabbath is to be used to do good and to save lives, how could you make that happen on the Christian Sabbath, Sunday? (see Luke 6:1-11)

What stories have others told you about what God has done in their lives? Where do you need God’s help in your life today? (see Psalm 44:1, 26)

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

Why do we ask God to bless us or be gracious to us? Why does the Psalmist desire God’s grace and blessings? How are you using God’s blessings to share God’s saving power among all nations? Read Psalm 67:1-2, 7.

Would your city be called “the faithful city?” Why or why not? What would it take to make it so? What if you started by choosing to be God’s faithful person? Meditate on Zechariah 8:3, 8.

“Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3

How long has it been since you were “worshipping the Lord and fasting?” How long has it been since the Holy Spirit gave you clear direction for fulfilling His mission? Are you praying for the Lord’s guidance? Is it possible that worship and fasting help our “spiritual ears” be more aware of God’s voice? Read Acts 13:1-3 and consider what might help you tune in to God’s message. (Then do it!)

According to Jesus’ words in John 12:44-50 how closely connected are He and the Father? How important are Jesus’ words? Why are they that important? Meditate on John 12:44-50.

How valuable is your life? How valuable is your soul? Who would pay that price to save you? Consider your answers as you read Psalm 49:7-8, 15.

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

Why did the Psalmist say that God loved the “gates of Zion?” Why is Jerusalem called the “city of God?” What does this say about God’s love for humanity and His desire to have a relationship with us? Read Psalm 87:1-2.

Why is fairness in your decisions important? Why do you want to be treated with kindness and mercy? Are you oppressing widows, orphans, aliens, the poor or anyone? Are you planning evil toward anyone? If so, what changes do you need to make? Consider the implications of Zechariah 7:9-10.

Where do you see the grace of God around you? Whom are you exhorting to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion? Are you full of the Holy Spirit and faith? Who is one person you could bring to the Lord? (Start first by bringing them to the Lord in prayer!) Read Acts 11:23-24.

Why does the good shepherd lay down his life for his sheep? Why does the hired hand run away when threatened? Are you listening to the Good Shepherd’s voice? Meditate on the words of John 10:11-18.

What has God’s steadfast love meant to you? How could you help God’s name reach the ends of the earth? How do you respond to knowing that God’s right hand is filled with victory? How will you praise God today? Ponder the words of Psalm 48:9-10, and 48:1.

Do you thirst for God at least as much as you thirst for water? Do you pray as often as you drink? How strong is your hope in God? Read Psalm 42:1-2, 5-6.

Have you ever helped “build the temple of the Lord?” Have you ever been part of a Work & Witness trip to help bu

ild a church? If so, you may have helped fulfill this Scripture! Are you building your life as a spiritual temple for the Lord? What could you do today to make your life a holy temple in which the Lord can live? Pray about Zechariah 6:15.

Have you asked the Holy Spirit to baptize you, to fill you, to cleanse you, to empower you? If not, why not now? Read Acts 11:15-16 and ask the Lord to fulfill this promise in your life!

Are you able to recognize the Lord’s “voice?” Are you following Him as your shepherd? Are you living the “life to the full” that Jesus offers? If not, why not? Meditate today on John 10:1-10.

Are you living with integrity? How has the Lord been gracious to you and raised you up? What praise can you offer to God today? Read Psalm 41:10, 12-13.

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

What way have you chosen? What do you set before you? To what do you cling? What path are you running? Meditate on these questions as you read Psalm 119:30-32.

Why should you seek the Lord today? Is there anything you need to forsake? What are the implications of Isaiah’s promise that God will “abundantly pardon” those who return to Him? Read Isaiah 55:6-7.

What was the source of the grace and power that Stephen shared? What do you think Stephen looked like when he was addressing the council? Read Acts 6:8-10, 15 and consider praying for grace and power sufficient to fulfill God’s purpose for you.

To what lengths do you go to seek Jesus? Are you seeking Jesus or what He can give you? For what kind of food are you working? Have you believed in the One whom God has sent? Meditate on John 6:22-29.

What is a “wonderful deed” that the Lord has done for you? With whom could you share what He did for you? Read Psalm 9:1-2.

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

The Psalmist emphasizes the Lord’s sovereignty, strength and eternal nature in Psalm 93:1-2. How do these descriptions of God help you as you face the challenges of your day?

Isaiah reveals that the Lord laid out the foundation of the earth and spread out the heavens. Does this qualify Him to “[lead] you in the way you should go?” Why or why not? Meditate on Isaiah 48:12-13, 17.

With whom are you “of one heart and soul?” Do you believe you will ever experience this? Is it possible for a church family or at least the leaders of a church family to be “of one heart and soul?” Is there any direct relationship between this level of unity and the reports of “great power” and “great grace?” What steps would you need to take to pursue this level of unity and of effective ministry? Read Acts 4:32-33.

Have you been born from above? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to bring you new life? How was Moses’ lifting up a serpent in the wilderness an illustration of the Son of Man being lifted up? Have you received the eternal life Jesus promised? Pray about what Jesus says in John 3:7-15.

The Psalmists says that the Lord examines humankind. Is that idea comforting or frightening? Why? What does the Psalmist imply in Psalm 11:4, 7 is necessary if we are to behold the Lord’s face?

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

How does the Psalmist’s experience described in Psalm 69 compare with what Jesus faced? Can you relate to what the Psalmist experienced? In what way? How does Jesus’ endurance in excruciating suffering speak to you? Read Psalm 69:20-21, 29.

How is it that Isaiah’s description so closely matches Jesus’ experiences during Holy Week? Why did Jesus willingly go to through the suffering He endured? How did the Lord help both the prophet and His Son and protect them from disgrace? Mediate on the words of Isaiah 50:6-7.

How has the Lord given you strength? Consider telling someone today how the Lord has met a specific need you had. What needs are you facing right now? Ask the Lord to provide for those needs as promised in Philippians 4:12-13, 19.

Why do you think Judas decided to betray Jesus? If Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, why did He invite Judas to be one of His disciples? Why did Jesus warn His disciples that one of them would betray Him? Why does Jesus challenge Judas with the knowledge that he will betray Jesus? Think about the compassion and grace of the second chance given to Judas in Matthew 26:14-25.

Do you believe that the Lord will keep His covenant with you? Which promises are you calling upon Him to fulfill for you today? Meditate on Psalm 17:18, 20-22

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

Of what are you afraid? How does the Psalmist address our fears in this passage? Read Psalm 27.

“I have given you as a covenant to the people,a light to the nations” – Isaiah 42:6b

How could we become a “light to the nations?” What action could you take today to bring deliverance to those in need? Meditate on Isaiah 42:6-8.

Do you know the power of Christ’s resurrection? What does Paul mean by this? What does it mean to share in Christ’s sufferings? Are you confident that you will share in the resurrection from the dead? Read Philippians 3:10-11, or if you have time, all of Chapter 3.

How has Jesus brought new life, renewal or healing into your family? How have you expressed your thanks to Him for these gifts of grace? What could you do today to express your gratitude to Jesus? Consider Mary’s actions recorded in John 12:1-11.

How earnestly is the Psalmist in seeking God in Psalm 69:16-18? How earnest are you in seeking Him? Do you seek God only when you are in trouble, or is seeking God a noticeable characteristic of your life?

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

When have you experienced the grace, mercy, compassion and patience of God? (Is it possible that some folk aren’t aware of these qualities of God because they are so common they are like the air surrounding us?) Read Psalm 145:8-9, 20.

Have you ever experienced a setting in which it seemed that the very heavens and earth were celebrating? Is it possible for a mother to forget her child? What does this passage tell us about the possibility of God’s forgetting us? Meditate on Isaiah 49:13, 15-16.

What does it mean to “contend for the faith?” Consider Jude 1:3.

Do you have eternal life? (John 5:24) Which resurrection will you experience? Whose will (or purposes) are you pursuing? See John 5:17-30.

Is it important to you to know that God is faithful and righteous? Why? Does it help you to know that God’s promise is “well tried?” Why? Meditate on Psalm 119:137-138, 140

Consider the following questions as you meditate on the Bible passages for today (see the link to the passages below).

What does it mean to “harden your hearts?” How can we avoid a hard heart? Read Psalm 95:6-8.

“if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life” – Galatians 6:8b

Why does God call us to walk a certain way? Find the answer in Jeremiah 7:23-24.

What does it mean to “sow to the Spirit?” How can we avoid growing weary in doing good? Think about Galatians 6:8-9.

What is implied by the fact that Jesus was able to cast out demons? Read and consider Luke 11:14-23.

In what area do you need the Lord’s protection? What are the practical implications in your life of the fact that the Lord is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness?” Meditate on Psalm 86:14-15.

Join us on the journey from “Ashes to Fire” by reading Scripture daily, joining us for Worship each Sunday, participating in a small group meeting each week and by inviting someone to join you!

The Scripture readings for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday can be read here.

Questions for Meditation
What does it mean to observe the Sabbath? How will you incorporate Sabbath observance into our Christian celebration of the Lord’s Day (Sunday)? How will you make tomorrow “a delight?” How could you prepare today to make Sunday a day dedicated to the worship of God?

Worship the Lord, all the earth!

In what area of your life do you need Christ’s healing: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional?

Where have you seen the kindness and love of God our Savior in your life?

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